# NTSB LAX89LA196: Cessna 175A, N7002E, Mojave, CA, May 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1989, 16:40 local (23:40 UTC)
- Place: Mojave, CA
- Coordinates: 35.070583, -118.179428 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0706&lon=-118.1794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26409
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26409/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA196

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, AND THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE WIND INFORMATION.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, taxi - to takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- Nose over, taxi - to takeoff

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF WHEN THE WIND LIFTED THE LEFT MAIN WHEEL OFF THE GROUND, TURNED THE AIRPLANE AROUND, AND LIFTED THE TAIL HIGH ENOUGH TO FLIP THE AIRPLANE FORWARD TO THE INVERTED POSITION. THE PILOT SAID THE WINDS HE RECEIVED WERE GREATER THAN THE TOWER REPORTED. THE PILOT DID NOT SAY WHAT HEADING HE WAS ON WHEN THE INITIAL PROBLEM STARTED. TOWER REPORTED WINDS WERE FROM 300 DEGREES AT 30 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 45 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7002E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7002E), registered now, S/N 56502, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 175A
- Registry model: [Cessna 175A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-175a) (registry code 2072504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental GO-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-go-300-series) (registry code 17024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 56502
- Airframe hours: 1378
- Engines: CONTINENTAL GO-300 175 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William H. Hickle
- Registered owner: Hickle, William H
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 13, 1988, 70 hours before
- Destination: IYK, INYOKERN, CA
- Airport: MHV, Mojave

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,950 total, 210 in this make and model, 58 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 30 knots, gusting 40
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19890511011549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890511011549A), May 11, 1989: Cessna 175A, Mojave, CA, Substantial damage. Blown over on its back while taxiing for takeoff. Wind excessive for type of aircraft without assistance.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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